Pubdate: Tue, 04 Nov 2003
Source: Cherokee Scout, The (NC)
Copyright: 2003 The Cherokee Scout
Contact:  http://www.thecherokeescout.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2314

DRUGS IN ALL PARTS OF COUNTY

The drug trade in Cherokee County has suffered blows in recent weeks as law 
enforcement agencies work together to put a dent in their business. The 
effort has paid off, but there is still work to be done. Operation Fall 
Harvest on Oct. 23 brought multiple officers and judicial system officials 
together in Andrews to arrest and process 16 area residents on various drug 
charges, most involving possession and trafficking for a total of 76 charges.

Sheriff Keith Lovin credits the investigation of a drug ring allegedly 
headed by Jeffrey McTaggart. Lovin said he didn't know how rampant drugs 
were in the county until he became sheriff last year. Area residents knew, 
though. The arrest reports and court dockets printed in The Scout are 
filled with people charged with drug offenses. Lovin has worked over the 
past year to improve cooperation among law enforcement agencies, improve 
training for officers and upgrade or renovate the jail and sheriff's office.

But his best efforts have still stopped short of keeping drugs out of the 
county jail. Inmates have been caught with drugs. Whether someone is 
bringing the drugs to the jail or whether inmates get them while on work 
release should not preclude searches. Lovin has his hands full. But 
diligence at home is just as important as a watchful eye out on the streets.
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MAP posted-by: Perry Stripling